The Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) 2026 is now accepting applications from emerging leaders interested in responsible leadership, sustainability and developing practical solutions to real-world challenges. The five-day global initiative is jointly organised by the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium, with support from its partners. The 2026 programme will take place from 10–14 December 2026, with applications closing on 5 November 2026.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning prospective participants are encouraged to apply before the final deadline rather than waiting until the application window closes.
The Global Leadership Challenge is designed to bring together emerging leaders from different countries, professional backgrounds and areas of expertise to explore what responsible leadership means in a rapidly changing world.
According to the organisers, the initiative focuses on developing the wisdom and character required for responsible leadership and encourages participants to look beyond individual ambition toward leadership that contributes to sustainable development and the common good.
The programme combines leadership development with practical problem-solving. Rather than focusing exclusively on lectures or conventional leadership training, participants work collaboratively on challenges defined by programme partners.
The 2026 edition is expected to convene 100 young leaders and Senior Advisors. Participants will work on real-world challenges and develop action-oriented projects through the framework of responsible leadership and sustainability.
What Participants Can Expect
The five-day experience provides participants with opportunities to learn from peers and experienced leaders while working collaboratively on practical challenges.
The programme’s activities include:
- Character education and responsible leadership development
- Cross-generational dialogue with experienced leaders
- Collaboration with an international group of young leaders
- Design-thinking approaches to problem-solving
- Development of practical action and impact projects
- Exploration of sustainability and global challenges
- Opportunities to build an international leadership network
The organisers describe GLC as a platform where young leaders can combine leadership development with concrete action. Participants work in groups to explore challenges and develop project ideas that can potentially create impact beyond the programme itself.
A Global Network of Emerging Leaders
One of the distinctive elements of the Global Leadership Challenge is its international cohort.
The 2025 edition brought together 100 participants and 20 Senior Advisors from more than 80 countries, demonstrating the programme’s global orientation. Participants came from universities, companies, civil society organisations and other institutions across different regions and professional fields.
Past participants have included students, researchers, entrepreneurs, development professionals, technology specialists and people working in public and private-sector organisations. This diversity provides an environment for participants to exchange perspectives on global challenges and develop ideas with people whose experiences may differ significantly from their own.
For young professionals and students from the Global South, the international nature of the programme can also provide an opportunity to connect with peers working on development, sustainability, education, technology and other areas of global importance.
Leadership, Sustainability and Real-World Challenges
The GLC places particular emphasis on connecting leadership with practical action.
During the programme, participants are expected to engage with challenges defined by the initiative’s partners. Teams then develop projects designed to address these challenges while considering responsible leadership and sustainability.
Previous editions demonstrate the range of issues that GLC participants have explored. Past projects have addressed subjects including health and well-being, education, climate action, gender equality, migration, environmental sustainability and resilient economies.
For example, previous GLC projects have included initiatives focused on improving nutrition information for marginalised populations and using technology to make education more personalised and accessible.
This project-based structure means that applicants interested in social impact, sustainable development, innovation and community leadership may find the programme particularly relevant to their interests.
Opportunities Beyond the Five-Day Challenge
Participation in GLC can extend beyond the December programme.
The organisers state that after GLC, participants can apply for further mentoring opportunities connected with the Oxford Character Project at the University of Oxford. The mentoring is intended to support participants as they reflect on their purpose and continue developing as future leaders.
The programme also provides formal recognition. According to the organisers, active participants receive a Certificate of Achievement from the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium.
There is also a competitive opportunity connected to the programme’s project work. The organisers state that the three groups whose project ideas are judged most outstanding by the Challenge Partners can attend the subsequent St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland as Leaders of Tomorrow, with all expenses covered.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The Global Leadership Challenge is particularly relevant to emerging leaders who want to strengthen their leadership capabilities while working on practical global challenges.
Potential applicants may include:
- Young professionals building careers in social impact and development
- Entrepreneurs and innovators developing solutions to societal challenges
- Students and researchers interested in sustainability and leadership
- Civil society and community leaders
- Professionals working on environmental or social issues
- Emerging leaders interested in responsible business
- Individuals involved in education, technology, health or other areas of global development
Applicants should review the official application requirements carefully before submitting an application, as eligibility and selection criteria should be confirmed directly through the current 2026 application process.
Important Dates for GLC 2026
The official timeline for the 2026 programme is:
Application opens: 29 September 2026
Application deadline: 5 November 2026
Global Leadership Challenge: 10–14 December 2026
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, according to the organisers.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can access the official application through the Global Leadership Challenge website.
Apply for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026
Applicants should prepare their application carefully and demonstrate their leadership experience, motivation and interest in contributing to solutions for real-world challenges.
The programme represents an opportunity to engage with an international community of emerging leaders while developing practical approaches to responsible leadership and sustainability. With applications closing on 5 November 2026, prospective applicants should begin the process early, particularly because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
